Atlanta (Illinois)

Atlanta is a small city in Logan County, Illinois along historic Route 66. It had a population of 1,669 as of the 2020 U.S. Census. Atlanta was incorporated in 1853.

Understand
It was founded as Xenia but it changed ots name when it was incorporated in 1855, Atlanta sits between Springfield, the capital of Illinois, and Bloomington-Normal, a large metropolitan area and the home of Illinois State University. Atlanta is surrounded by country roads and farmland growing mostly corn and soybeans. Route 66 runs through Atlanta, resulting in the eye-catching Paul Bunyan Statue holding a hot dog, a famous Route 66 photo opportunity.

By car
Atlanta sits right on I-55. It is about a 45-minute drive from Springfield and a 25-minute drive from Bloomington-Normal. Historic Route 66 also cuts through town following I-55 to Chicago in the north and Springfield to the south.

By train
Atlanta is not served directly by train. Amtrak runs through town but does not stop. The closest stations are in Lincoln to the south and  to the north in Bloomington-Normal.

By plane
There is no airport in Atlanta. in Bloomington-Normal has four airlines that operate flights from multiple destinations across the United States. CIRA also has 5 rental car agencies for getting around the area. in Springfield operates flights from Chicago and Fort Worth and has 6 rental car agencies.

Get around
Car is the easiest way to get around in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Walking is viable in downtown Atlanta but once downtown clears out, it becomes much more difficult to traverse the streets.

Go next

 * Bloomington-Normal
 * Springfield
 * Lincoln